Intro: A people in pursuit of happinessAmerican Dream: We are a nation in pursuit of joy and happiness. We have even built the idea into the founding documents – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (Life and liberty are guaranteed but happiness is not)

The pursuit is not going so well because people are looking for joy and happiness in the wrong source. We often look to people, places, things, philosophies, or religion to provide the joy that only God can provide.

We can find answers about true joy in the book of Philippians. Joy is a major theme in this book (Background to Philippians)

Today we will look at gospel joy from the book of Philippians under 4 headings:

Message 10. Calvary is for Everybody.

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 3:13-21.

Thesis: This is one of the most talked about passage in the New Testament. The 16th verse of this chapter is the most famous passage in the Bible and yet it is fearful for it contains deep truths that astound us. In it we see a clear image of God’s heart. The Trial Theme comes into focus as we see what man chooses to do with what God offers to him.

Preview:I. The Plan of Calvary.
II. The Heart of God.
III. The Heart of Man. Continue reading →

… Jesus… became to us wisdom from God, righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30, ESV

The Lord opened my heart to the gospel at about the age of nineteen. I believed the message that Jesus was the Son of God and the Savior of the world. I understood that he had entered into human history to live the life I could never live, die the death I should have died, and rose triumphant over the grave, making a way of rescue for all those who trust in him. Having believed the gospel, I prayed, what Christians often call, the “sinner’s prayer.” I confessed my sin, received Jesus, thanked him for dying to pay the price for my sin, and acknowledged his resurrection. During that prayer, I experienced what the Bible refers to as “the love of God being poured into… [my heart] through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). I suddenly knew that I was accepted by God, that he loved me, and that there was nothing I could do to earn or repay him for his loving pardon. I had no idea at the time that great theologians had been writing about this same experience for thousands of years and had given it a name – justification by faith. Like Peter, Paul, Augustine, Luther, Wesley and countless others, my heart had been strangely warmed by an encounter with the living God of grace.

Message 9. The Night Visitor: A Lesson on Regeneration.

By J.B. Hughes

Terms:
Regeneration = the act or process of regenerating or the state of being regenerated; rebirth or renewal.[i]

Text: John 3:1-12.

Thesis: God himself stepped into human history in the person of Jesus. Instead of a welcome the world put him on trial. The reason that the heart of man did not accept him is because the heart is depraved. Human beings cannot be reformed or revised they have to be remade. In this story Nicodemus becomes a foil [ii] for Jesus to teach us about regeneration.

“I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful; but I never read in either of them: ‘Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden’” (Augustine). Like Augustine, I have found in Jesus a unique figure who towers above every other historical figure. Many have attempted to point to a way of salvation, but only Jesus said that he was the way of salvation. Jesus is the Savior of mankind and that is what makes him so unique.

I did not always know the Savior. Growing up, I had very little Christian teaching. In junior high I began to drink, smoke, and rebel against society. By the time I was eighteen, I was an alcoholic and a frequent user of drugs. I was angry, depressed, alone, lost, in darkness, without hope, and without God (Eph. 2:12). I was on a fast track to prison, insanity, or death. It was into this darkness that Jesus came and rescued me. I received Jesus as my Savior and my life was completely transformed. That was more than twenty years ago, and the Savior has never forsaken me. I love and admire Jesus more today than ever before, and I long for the whole world to know of the glorious salvation that comes through him.

But who is Jesus? What makes him capable of saving mankind? What exactly is he saving mankind from? How does this salvation work, and in what way will it change lives? In the following pages, I will briefly discuss these questions. I cannot, however, answer them in full because these subjects are inexhaustible. Though we may study the person and work of Jesus Christ the Savior for all eternity, we will never behold the fullness of his beauty, grasp the completeness of his wisdom, reach the limits of his power, or fathom the depths of his love. He truly is a wonderful Savior.

Message 8. UFC Jesus: A Lesson on Corruption. (Scale Notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 2:12-25.

Thesis: In the first part of this chapter Jesus starts by manifesting his glory to his followers. Now he demonstrates his glory to those who will react with hostility. Jesus challenges the authorities and witnesses against the corruption in the Temple. He shows in the first part that he offers something better than the Mosaic law, here he reacts to the corruption. He is not mild and meek but angry. He demonstrates the heart of God toward corrupt and insincere worship. [i] Continue reading →

Message 7. The Gospel of the New Wine. (scale notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 2:1-11

Thesis: All 4 themes of this gospel meet in this passage. The Creation Vs. New Creation theme in the creation of wine from nothing, the New Moses Theme in offering something greater than Moses, the Cosmic Trial Theme in a sign which authenticates his witness, and the Targumic Word Theme where the Word of God, very God himself shows his power over all things. We also see practical ideas in that Jesus loves and life and cares about our needs. He will ultimately usher in a new age that be a time of great blessing. Continue reading →

Message 6: Come and See: A Model for Evangelism. (Scale Notes.)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 1:35-51.
Thesis: How do people come to faith in Christ? Even more so, how does one bring others to faith in Jesus? Gimmicks, tools, programs, three-step confessionals have produced a litany of false converts. Is there a more honest way to approach people with the good news that results in a genuine and life-changing encounter with Jesus? In this story we see new witnesses come to faith in Jesus and learn not only about Jesus, but about our own salvation as well as the salvation those to whom we present the truth about God to. Continue reading →

Message 5: The Lamp and the Light: Jesus According to John

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 1:19-34

Terms: Deposition = a statement under oath, taken down in writing, to be used in court in place of the spoken testimony of the witness.[i]

Thesis: The Apostle John uses the legal term “witness” to describe the testimony of John the Baptist. He was not the light but he came to tell of who Jesus is. John was sent to prepare the people of Israel with a message of repentance. His testimony about Jesus is essential to knowing who Jesus really is. He is a model for all of us. Continue reading →

Thesis: How will people react to the Coming of Jesus? It would seem that all would react with welcome but sadly they do not. The world by and large rejected Jesus resulting in spiritual death. There were however some who did receive him and to them he gave a revelation of the Father. Continue reading →

Message 3: Why John Calls Jesus the Word.

Text: John 1:1-5

By J.B. Hughes

Terms:
Incarnation = the doctrine that the second person of the Trinity assumed human form in the person of Jesus Christ and is completely both God and man. [i]

Thesis: When John calls Jesus the “Word” it is hard to know exactly what he means. The first five verses of John 1 give us so much information that is crucial to our Christian experience. This message is focused on understanding and applying the doctrine of the Incarnation. Continue reading →

Message 2. Purpose, Style and Themes in John. (Scale Notes)

Thesis: In order to understand the purpose of a book in scripture, it is very important to know the purpose of the book, the style of author and the dominant themes. It is like wearing 3-D glasses that help the reader to see the story much clearer. Continue reading →

Message 1. Meet John. (Scale Notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Terms:
Johannine Community = A term introduced in the 19th Century by liberal theologians who believed that the gospel of John was not the work of John the Son of Zebedee, but rather the work of several writers writing to a community of followers who based their theology off of the teachings of the original John whomever he may be.
Synoptic = taking a common view: used chiefly in reference to the first three Gospels (synoptic Gospels), Matthew, Mark, and Luke, from their similarity in content, order, and statement. [i]Redactor = (One who puts something into) “suitable literary form; revise; edit.” [ii]

Thesis: This message is about meeting the guide who will be attempting shape the reader’s perspective about Jesus. Since there is serious conflict about the author of this book we MUST take this seriously and discuss it. Even if one already believes John is the author, one needs to know why. An audience has to ask whether or not the person who is telling a story can be trusted. The content that this author is attempting to tell us is very serious and it is of utmost importance that this person is who he claims to be. Continue reading →

The Blessings of Justification

By Rick Arnold

Romans 5:1–11 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance (patience), 4 and endurance produces character (experience), and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we besaved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

2. First Jesus teaches how not to pray
– Not like hypocrites (Mat 6:5-6)
– Not like pagans (Mat 6:7-8)

3. Foundation for Christian prayer: Trinitarian
– By the Son: Access by Jesus’ name
– Through the Spirit: “Our” signifying unselfishness which is only seen in the spirit-filled believer. Though the Spirit is invisible his effects can be seen, and love is the most sure sign of his presence.
– To the Father: “Our Father” was revolutionary in Jesus’ day.

I. A healthy church will be founded on the Gospel
II. A healthy church will teach doctrine
III. A healthy church will know true fellowship
IV. A healthy church will keep focused on the work of Christ
V. A healthy church will be a church of strong prayer and vibrant Spirit-filled worship